Although there are many aspects of pregnancy that you do not have control of, there are many strategies you can use to help make your pregnancy the best time for you and the child within you. This article discusses tips to help you take control of your pregnancy.
It’s okay to indulge your cravings, as long as your diet is healthy and balanced. A craving is usually your body telling you that you need something. Since you are now eating for two people, your body will burn energy and nutrients at a much quicker pace, so enjoy those cravings now!
See a doctor before becoming pregnant. A doctor can advise you about the the best way to ensure a smooth and healthy nine months, and even offer guidance about fertility. Learning to get your body ready for pregnancy can ensure a healthy and safe experience.
Try not to gain so much weight while you are pregnant. Excess weight can lead to serious health problems in the future. You should not gain more than thirty pounds over your entire pregnancy if you had an average weight in the beginning.
Become Pregnant
Before you even become pregnant, take a prenatal vitamin. The first three months of your pregnancy are when your baby develops its neural cord. Eventually this cord will develop into the spinal cord and brain. If you wish to have a healthy baby, start taking prenatal vitamins even before you become pregnant. These supplements should include calcium, iron, and folic acid.
Avoid Vitamin A during pregnancy. Vitamin A can be harmful to the embryo. Some foods with this are egg yolks, liver and mangos. Eat very small portions of these foods once in a while if you want to.
Constipation can be a bother while pregnant. Avoid this with high fiber foods, including vegetables, whole grains and wheat, cereals and fruits. Constipation in pregnant women is caused by the extra hormones. Constipation may result in serious gastrointestinal issues for expectant mothers, and is also simply unpleasant to experience.
Make sure you visit your planned birthing hospital. Meet all the staff, and take a tour of the entire building. This will help calm your nerves and answer a lot of your questions. Bring the father along too since they will communicate with the staff when you’re in labor.
Birthing Facility
As the pregnancy progresses, make sure you have a birthing facility tour booked in. Feeling comfortable about your birthing facility is a good way to have a smooth labor experience. Check out multiple locations to find the best for you. The facility should be comfortable for you, as well as your partner.
Do not change your cat’s litter when pregnant. Avoid the cat litter box due to the danger of contracting toxoplasmosis. This disease can cause stillbirth, miscarriage, or birth defects in humans.
It is common to have leg cramps during late pregnancy. Be sure to stretch prior to retiring for the night, and you are sure to experience fewer cramps. Drinking plenty of water can help you avoid them also, as can eating plenty of bananas.
Avoid hot tubs and saunas during pregnancy. Pregnant women should stay away from places where they’ll become overheated. Also, try to avoid oils at spas, as this can cause you to contract. Rosemary, juniper, and clary sage are the worst offenders, so avoid them at all costs.
Extra Support
For the sake of comfort, pregnant women should wear sports bras, or a bra with extra support. The extra support will help prevent pains in the back or breasts. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing constricting undergarments. If you do, you could not only cause additional discomfort for yourself, but you could also decrease the oxygen supply for your baby.
As you have seen in the article you have just read, there are numerous ways in which your actions can positively impact your pregnancy. It is much more effective to be proactive to make sure your pregnancy is a healthy one for you and your baby.
